[Endocrinology] Introduction

This field specialises in diseases of the endocrine system.

 

Etymology

Ancient Greek ἔνδον (éndon) = inner; internal

Ancient Greek κρίνω (krínō) = to separate
In endocrine, crine (krínō) means "to secrete."

Ancient Greek λογία (logia) = study

Endocrinology = the study of internal secretions.

 

Subspecialties

• Paediatric endocrinology

 

History taking

 

Physical examination

• Examination of suspected thyroid disease
• Examination of diabetic patients

 

Common problems:

• Hyperglycaemia
• Hypoglycaemia
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Sex hormone disorders
• Thyroiditis   
• Paraneoplastic syndromes

 

Endocrine system diseases

 

Diseases:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cushing's syndrome (Hypercortisolism)
• Cushing's disease (Hypercortisolism)
• Addison's disease (Hypocortisolism)
• Grave's disease
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (excessive ADH)
• Diabetes insipidus (insufficient ADH)
• Thyroid cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Carcinoid syndrome
• Phaeochromocytoma